Mass Decontamination As Toxic Drums Continue To Wash Ashore

Source: National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences

Drums containing dichlorobenzene xylenol are washing up ashore in front of Victoria's desalination plant. Dichlorobenzene xylenol is a toxic industrial solvent and carcinogen commonly called "carbon cleaner". It is dangerous on skin and when inhaled, and is "very toxic to aquatic organisms".

Chick on this link to view the complete article: Melbourne Age [Author Chris Johnston]

Are You Ready? September is Coming

Registration is now open to join the National Preparedness Month 2009 Coalition National Preparedness Month is celebrated each September to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and communities. This year, National Preparedness Month will focus on changing perceptions about emergency preparedness and helping Americans understand what it truly means to be Ready. National Preparedness Month Coalition membership is free of charge and open to all public and private sector organizations. By joining the Coalition your organization would agree to promote emergency preparedness during September. Once you register you will receive access to the National Preparedness Month Web site, where you can find a toolkit full of templates, resources and tips to assist you with promoting emergency preparedness. You will also find a National Preparedness Month calendar where you can post your events and see what other organizations are doing in your community. In addition, can share your success stories and read about the successes of others.

Groups can register to become a National Preparedness Month Coalition Member by visiting http://ready.adcouncil.org. To learn more, visit www.ready.gov and click on the National Preparedness Month banner.

National Preparedness Month is sponsored by the Ready Campaign in partnership with Citizen Corps and the Advertising Council. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the Ready Campaign at NPM@dhs.gov.

Check Out the New Visibility Vest Requirements

Federal Government Begins Mandating High-Visibility Vests for Emergency Responders.

Looks like anyone on a highway supported by federal dollars must comply.

(Click on the title for more information)

Hurricane Preparedness

Thu, 14 May 2009 09:47:23 -0500
PREPARE YOUR EMERGENCY KIT...PLAN NOW FOR YOUR FAMILY AND PETS.

(Click on the title for a link to more information)

Border crossings ready for new rules

Source:
USA Today highlights Canadian Border

By Wilson Ring, Associated Press
The scanners and the new computer systems are in place at Vermont's largest border crossing with Quebec and people in both the United States and Canada are starting to get identification cards that makes it easier for them to cross the border.
There are still a few loose ends, but officials with U.S. Customs and Border Protection say they will be ready on June 1, the day the United States fully implements the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.
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